More investments needed

Logistics sector should be able to meet expected increase in demand

SHAH ALAM: The logistics sector must further invest in technology, capacity and talent to offer more value-added services in line with the uptrend in trade volume.

SME Corp Malaysia chairman Datuk Dr Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid said the logistics sector capacity should meet the expected increase in demand in view of the growth of the global economy.

Datuk Dr Mohamed Al Amin

“This is the time where the logistics sector must take advantage because as trade grows, the services offered by the logistics sector are much needed to ensure seamless transportation, storing and distribution of goods.

“For Malaysia, the main challenges are to further improve the services offered towards total logistics services and multi-modal transportation.

“To date, there are about 31,168 companies involved in the logistics sector in the country with 30,766 belonging to the small and medium-size entreprises (SMEs) category,” he said in his speech to officiate the Bumiputra Logistics Entrepreneurs Association AGM last week.

Mohamed Al Amin said as the logistics sector remained as one of the strong pillars of the country’s trade growth and competitiveness while the Government had acted as an “enabler” via its support and various incentives.

The private sector specifically the transportation, storage, and communication industry contributed about 8% to the country’s gross national product last year.

“This year, there are about 219 programmes with financial commitment of RM5.9bil to be implemented via various ministries and agencies.

“For SME Corp, we have launched two programmes early this year namely Business Accelerator and Enrichment & Enhancement Programme to support the SME industry and players.

“PPLB members who are interested in this programme are welcome to join and application can be made online.

“We have also collaborated with a prominent logistics player, Kontena Nasional Bhd, to widen the scope of the logistics sector market via talks, site visits and business-to-business sessions,” he said.

Source: BizStar